The storm’s diminished strength when it came ashore was "lucky" for even the hardest hit areas of the diocese, but hope for recovery is based on the strength of the sense of community in parishes, the diocese and throughout the Episcopal Church in Florida.

Volunteers from youth to retirees have picked up debris, wielded chainsaws against fallen trees, spread tarps on leaking roofs and hauled out wet furniture and vestments to be dried. Diocesan staff, including Bishop Frade, have delivered generators, chainsaws and tarps to churches.

The Diocese of Southwest Florida has returned some of the generators and other equipment provided by Southeast Florida three weeks ago for cleanup after Hurricane Charley, and is donating $10,000 for recovery efforts here—nearly half the amount Southeast Florida parishioners contributed for Hurricane Charley relief.

At St. Joseph’s, Boynton Beach, where a huge ficus tree fell against the roof of a parish school classroom and a break-in during the storm resulted in the loss of about $10,000 worth of electronic equipment from the school, there have been daily services since the storm. The rector, Fr. Mary Zlatic, says the group that gathers for prayer provides an opportunity to match those who have needs with those in the parish who can provide help—water, ice, food, or just a chance for a warm shower and a night’s sleep in air-conditioning.

On Sept. 7 the electricity was still off, but the church sign summed up the parish’s conviction: "No power but Jesus".